Reported Levels Of Satisfaction Research Articles

The Impact of Ecological Sustainability on Tourists’ Satisfaction and Revisit Intention: A Case Study in Langkawi, Malaysia

More concerns regarding the environmental impact are observed as the global travel industry continues to expand. The present study examined the correlation between ecological sustainability, tourists’ satisfaction, and the tendency to revisit past destinations to understand the impact of tourists’ perceptions regarding the environmental practices in travel destinations on overall satisfaction and subsequent revisit intention. A total of 200 local and international tourists participated in this study. The data collection process was conducted via self-administered questionnaires distributed in Langkawi, Malaysia. The results indicated a significant positive association between ecological sustainability and tourists’ overall satisfaction with respective trip experiences. A positive correlation also existed between tourists’ perception of travel destinations actively engaging in ecological sustainability practices and the reported satisfaction levels. Moreover, this increased satisfaction level positively impacted tourists’ intention to revisit the same destination in the future. The findings provided significant implications with high relevance to both destination planners and policymakers. Implementing and promoting effective ecological sustainability practices could not only enhance the attractiveness of travel destinations but also sustain high loyalty among tourists.

Are We Adequately Measuring Patient Satisfaction with Telemedicine? A Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Telemedicine has gained significant attention as an effective means of providing health care remotely, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient satisfaction is a critical aspect of implementing telemedicine, but we have no comprehensive understanding of satisfaction levels and the associated factors. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess patient satisfaction related to telemedicine consultations and to identify key factors influencing satisfaction levels. Results: The search yielded a total of 147 cross-sectional studies, of which 107 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Overall, patient satisfaction with teleconsultations was found to be high, with satisfaction levels ranging from 38 to 100 on a scale of 0 to 100. Only a small percentage (2.72%) of the studies reported satisfaction levels below 75%. Surprisingly, most studies used nonvalidated satisfaction questionnaires, which highlight the need for the development of standardized measurement instruments. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that patients generally exhibit high levels of satisfaction with telemedicine consultations. The use of nonvalidated satisfaction questionnaires in many studies, however, suggests a need for more standardized assessment tools. Factors such as the time interval between the consultation and the assessment were found to influence satisfaction levels. Understanding these factors can help health care providers improve telemedicine services and patient-provider relationships and optimize health care delivery in the context of telemedicine. Further research is warranted to develop validated satisfaction measurement instruments and explore any additional factors that influence patient satisfaction with telemedicine.

Patient reported satisfaction levels with the use of telemedicine for general surgery-A systematic review of randomized control trials.

As healthcare continues to evolve in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, surgeons are presented with the opportunity to integrate telemedicine into healthcare in tandem with in-person consultations. We aimed to perform a systematic review of randomized controlled trials to assess patient satisfaction with telemedicine interventions in general surgery. A systematic review was performed in accordance to the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. The risk of bias 2.0 assessment was used to determine potential bias. In total, 11 prospective, randomized trials involving 1,598 patients (mean age: 49.1 years) were included. Overall 45.5% (5/11) of the trials compared videoconferencing or telephone follow up to traditional in person follow up. Three studies used smart technologies which include activity tracking devices in combination with a website and mobile application (27.3%). The other 3 interventions involved accelerated discharge on post operative day (POD) 1 with tele videoconferencing on POD 2, Post-operative daily text messages with education videos and video calling capability, and supportive text messages post-operatively. Telemedicine was shown to provide similar levels of patient satisfaction compared to controls in all 11 included RCTs. Patient reported satisfaction with the use of telemedicine is similar to standard of care models in general surgery. With several shortcomings confounding the results in support of telemedicine, further experimentation with telemedicine interventions will likely improve patient reported satisfaction with using telemedicine for peroperative surgical care.

Patient Satisfaction and Interest in Telemedicine Visits Following Total Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery.

Introduction: Telemedicine is the practice of caring for patients remotely when the patient and provider are not physically present at the same location. Within orthopedic surgery, telemedicine offers care without the typical obstacles of an in-person appointment such as difficulty ambulating following surgery and patient wait times. In this study, we evaluated patient interest and satisfaction in postoperative telemedicine visits following hip or knee arthroplasty surgery. Materials and Methods: Patients were offered either a traditional in-person or a remote telemedicine postoperative visit following surgery. Patients were asked to complete a satisfaction survey following their postoperative visit regarding their experience. Patient-survey responses as well as patient-reported outcome metrics were captured using a mobile and web-based electronic patient rehabilitation application. Results: A total of 766 patients were included in this study with 360 offered postoperative telemedicine visits and 402 offered traditional in-person visits. Two hundred fifty-nine patients reported satisfaction levels with their telemedicine visit, with 58.3% of patients characterizing their feelings with the visit as "extremely satisfied," 32.0% as "satisfied," 8.9% as "neutral," 0.3% as "dissatisfied," and 0.3% as "extremely dissatisfied." A total of 713 patients reported how the COVID-19 pandemic effected their feelings toward telemedicine with 12.9% of patients characterizing the affect as "extremely positively," 33.1% of patients as "positively," 48.9% of patients as "neutral," 3.6% of patients as "negatively," and 1.4% of patients as "extremely negatively." There were no significant differences in the change between preoperative Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores/Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement, or Veterans RAND 12 Physical and Mental components and these values at 12 weeks follow-up and 1-year follow-up, respectively, in patients who had telemedicine visits versus those who had traditional in-person visits. Discussion: The results of this study demonstrate that the patients who decided to have a telemedicine visit during their postoperative visit were satisfied with their experience. Overall, COVID-19 had a positive influence on patient's feelings toward telemedicine visits.

Acceptability of urine diversion dry toilets in Dollo Ado refugee camp, Ethiopia.

Given the increasing frequency and duration of humanitarian emergencies worldwide, there is a need to identify a greater range of effective and contextually appropriate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions. Typical sanitation systems may be poorly suited for some of the conditions in which humanitarian emergencies can occur, such as in drought-prone regions. Urine-diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) are one potential alternative sanitation option which can be used in these conditions. Between 2014 and 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partnered with local agencies to evaluate the acceptability of UDDTs in a refugee camp in Ethiopia. The overall goals were to provide evidence regarding the level of adoption and satisfaction with UDDTs in this emergency context and the factors associated with satisfaction. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted 18-months apart, using a stratified design to sample UDDT and latrine users for comparison. The proportion who reported to use their UDDT consistently was 88.8% (95% CI 85.1-92.5) in the first survey and 93.4% (95% CI 90.6-96.2) in the second survey. Reported satisfaction levels were significantly higher among respondents in the second survey (p<0.0001), where 97.0% (95% CI 95.1-98.9) of respondents stated either that they were mostly or very satisfied with their UDDT. There was no significant difference detected in satisfaction between UDDT and latrine users (p=0.28). Using a multivariable logistic regression model, we identified several factors associated with a higher level of satisfaction with UDDTs. Those who had previously (before coming to the camp) used a pit latrine (AOR=4.2; 95% CI 1.4-12.7) or had no sanitation system (AOR=2.4; 95% CI 1.3-4.4) relative to a pour-flush toilet, had a clean UDDT (AOR=2.8; 95% CI 1.7-4.6), had been in the camp for a longer time period (AOR=2.3; 95% CI 1.7-3.0), did not share their UDDT (AOR=1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.0) and had used their UDDT for a longer time period (AOR=1.7; 95% CI 1.2-2.4) had higher odds of satisfaction. The findings demonstrate that UDDTs have been effectively introduced and utilized in this context and this may have implications for other humanitarian settings where they can be similarly managed.

Introduction of Mobile Health Tools to Support COVID-19 Training and Surveillance in Ogun State Nigeria

Mobile health (mhealth) tools delivered through wireless technology are emerging as effective strategies for delivering quality training, ensuring rapid clinical decision making, and monitoring implementation of simple and effective interventions in under-resourced settings. We share our early experience of developing and deploying the InStrat COVID-19 health worker training application (App) in Ogun State, Western Nigeria where the country's first COVID-19 case was reported. This App was designed to directly provide frontline health workers with accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19; enable them to quickly identify, screen and manage COVID-19 suspects; provide guidance on specimen collection techniques and safety measures to observe within wards and quarantine centers dealing with COVID-19. The App was deployed in 271 primary health care facilities in Ogun state and a total of 311 health workers were trained to use it. Of the 123 health workers who completed knowledge pre- and post-tests, their average test score improved from 47.5 (±9.4) to 73.1(±10.0) %, P &amp;lt; 0.0001 after using the tutorial. Rapid adoption and uptake were driven largely by public-private sector involvement as well as certification of health workers with reported satisfaction levels of over 95% among those who completed pre- and post-test surveys. Challenges encountered included a lack of universal availability of android phones for frontline health workers, lack of internet access in remote areas and a need to incentivize the workers. The timely deployment of this App targeting primary health care workers, mostly in hard-to-reach areas, obviated the need for conventional didactic training with potential of savings in training costs and time and could be applied to similar contexts.

Geriatrics workforce enhancement program: educational outcomes of community-based dementia caregiver conferences

ABSTRACT Providing educational interventions to informal dementia caregivers has been shown to have numerous positive outcomes including improving general well-being and quality of life as well as reducing depression, anxiety, and caregiver stress. The purpose of this study is the development, delivery, and evaluation of caregiver conferences to educate informal dementia caregivers about dementia and caregiving. We provided eight half-day conferences for informal caregivers to educate them about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and make them aware of community and state resources. Demographic and program evaluation surveys including an assessment of Alzheimer’s disease knowledge were administered to participants. A total of 563 community-based caregivers attended the conferences. Participants tended to be female, White, and well-educated. Evaluation surveys showed high levels of satisfaction with the training. Paired t-tests showed no significant differences in AD knowledge prior to and following the training. Although there were no statistically significant improvements in participant ADRD knowledge, participant reported satisfaction levels with the conferences were high with the agreement that their educational needs were met and that the information that they learned will help improve the care they provide to the individual(s) with ADRD.

Otoplasty Using the Combined Mustardé-Furnas Technique: Satisfaction and Objective Results.

To understand the level of satisfaction among patients undergoing otoplasty using the combined Mustardé-Furnas technique. To evaluate surgery outcomes using McDowell/Wright (MW) criteria. The authors sought to analyze any possible correlation between satisfaction level and surgery outcome. The authors conducted a retrospective study on patients who underwent combined Mustardé and Furnas otoplasty between 1996 and 2016. All patients were assessed 12 months after surgery employing MW goals and satisfaction surveys. The study includes 172 patients who underwent 343 otoplasty procedures. There were 134 patients (77.9%) who had all 6 of the criteria for surgical success as defined by MW 12 months after surgery, reporting satisfaction levels of 9 to 10. Fifteen patients (9.3%) had 5 of the 6 MW criteria, reporting satisfaction levels of 9 to 10, and 22 patients (12.79%) had only 4 MW objectives and reported satisfaction levels of 7 to 10. The Spearman rho coefficient was 0.545 and the Kendall coefficient was 0.375, with a statistically significant association (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction increases as the number of MW goals are met, although the correlation is moderate to low. Patients perceive the results of the surgery as satisfactory or very satisfactory, even when ENT surgeons consider outcomes to be poor according to MW criteria.

Satisfaction of psychiatric inpatients in China: clinical and institutional correlates in a national sample

BackgroundSurveying patients’ satisfaction is essential to improve patient-centered care, however, studies on satisfaction and their correlates among psychiatric inpatients are rare in China. This study aimed to measure satisfaction levels of psychiatric inpatients in a national sample and to examine individual and institutional correlates.MethodsAs part of the National Survey for the Evaluation of Psychiatric Hospital Performance, psychiatric inpatients from 32 tertiary psychiatric hospitals in 29 Chinese provinces were interviewed on the day of discharge by trained research staff. Satisfaction was assessed using a five-item questionnaire. Patients’ sociodemographic and clinical information were manually retrieved from medical records and institutional data were provided by participating hospitals. Multilevel linear regression was used to assess factors associated with level of satisfaction.ResultsAmong 1663 inpatients, the reported satisfaction levels were high, with a mean score of 23.3 ± 2.4 out of 25. Education level was positively associated with global satisfaction, satisfaction with costs, and satisfaction with privacy protection. Treatment response was associated with global satisfaction and with the doctor-patient communication subscore. The number of psychotherapy sessions was positively associated with the privacy protection subscore (coefficient = 0.0, P = 0.046). The Global Assessment of Function score was positively associated with the doctor-patient communication subscore (coefficient = 0.0, P = 0.003). Total satisfaction scores and all five subscores were positively associated with hospital-level factors, and patients discharged from hospitals with better staffing and resources reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction.ConclusionOverall, psychiatric inpatients in China were satisfied with the services they received. To further improve patient satisfaction, mental health professionals should optimize their patients’ treatment response as much as possible before discharge and provide more psychological treatment during the hospitalization. The government should also provide more resources to increase the number of mental health professionals (nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists) working in psychiatric hospitals.

The impacts of varying survey design on reported trip satisfaction

Research has shown that the way in which a question is asked or the order in which it is received can influence the answer of respondents. Surveys are frequently used by transport professionals to better understand the psychology behind travelers’ level of satisfaction and derive policies. An awareness of how survey design impacts individuals’ responses to satisfaction-related questions is vital for any future policy analysis and development. This study uses travel data collected through a university travel survey, which was carried out during the fall and winter of 2017/2018, to examine the effects of seasonality, question wording, and question order on travel satisfaction. To test for question wording and seasonality, respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction with their last trip and satisfaction with their typical commute to work or school under either “warm and sunny” or “cold and snowy” conditions, depending on season of survey completion. To test the effect of question order, respondents were randomly assigned one of two survey versions in which the order of the two aforementioned trip satisfaction questions were switched. Our results confirm the presence of question order and wording effects on reported satisfaction levels, and to a lesser degree, differences in trip satisfaction due to seasonality. Results of this study highlight the need to practice caution when designing travel surveys, particularly with respect to how transport survey respondents are impacted by seasonality, question wording and order.

Electrical stimulation therapy for dysphagia: a follow-up survey of USA dysphagia practitioners.

The aim of this study was to compare current application, practice patterns, clinical outcomes, and professional attitudes of dysphagia practitioners regarding electrical stimulation (e-stim) therapy with similar data obtained in 2005. A web-based survey was posted on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Group 13 webpage for 1 month. A total of 271 survey responses were analyzed and descriptively compared with the archived responses from the 2005 survey. Results suggested that e-stim application increased by 47% among dysphagia practitioners over the last 10 years. The frequency of weekly e-stim therapy sessions decreased while the reported total number of treatment sessions increased between the two surveys. Advancement in oral diet was the most commonly reported improvement in both surveys. Overall, reported satisfaction levels of clinicians and patients regarding e-stim therapy decreased. Still, the majority of e-stim practitioners continue to recommend this treatment modality to other dysphagia practitioners. Results from the novel items in the current survey suggested that motor level e-stim (e.g. higher amplitude) is most commonly used during dysphagia therapy with no preferred electrode placement. Furthermore, the majority of clinicians reported high levels of self-confidence regarding their ability to perform e-stim. The results of this survey highlight ongoing changes in application, practice patterns, clinical outcomes, and professional attitudes associated with e-stim therapy among dysphagia practitioners.

Survivorship after lower gastrointestinal cancer: Patient reported outcomes and planning for care.

695 Background: There is significant need for quality follow-up care to optimize long-term outcomes for the growing population of lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable information regarding late- and long-term effects. Methods: Using a convenience sample from 1,129 colon, rectal and anal cancer survivors (n=792, 218, and 119, respectively) who utilized an Internet-based survivorship care plan (SCP) tool, we examined patient-reported demographics, treatment, and toxicity data. Responses from a follow-up survey were reviewed. Results: Median age of diagnosis was 51 years and median current age was 54 years. 81% of respondents were Caucasian and 58% were female. The most commonly reported late- and long-term effects for all survivors were neuropathy (65%), fatigue (56%), cognitive changes (49%), changes in GI function (43%), sexual dysfunction (22% in males, 43% in females), and radiation-induced dermatologic effects including changes in color/texture of skin (39%) and loss of flexibility in radiated areas (31%). The prevalence of these effects varied with length of time since treatment and treatment modality. Anal cancer patients reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and radiation-induced dermatologic effects. Over 87% of users reported satisfaction levels of "good" to "excellent" using this tool, and 69% reported they intend to share SCP with their healthcare team. Conclusions: For lower GI cancer survivors, it is feasible to obtain PROs from an Internet-based survivorship tool. Survivors report a wide spectrum of late- and long-term side effects, which can be used to inform counseling at time of diagnosis, as well as help anticipate and respond to disease- and treatment-related sequelae during follow-up. We are among the first to report on PROs in anal cancer survivors. Further investigation on the impact of SCPs on healthcare communication and use is needed.

Survivorship after lower gastrointestinal cancer: Patient-reported outcomes and planning for care.

There is significant need for quality follow-up care to optimize long-term outcomes for the growing population of lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer survivors. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable information regarding late and long-term effects (LLTEs). A convenience sample from 1129 colon, rectal, and anal cancer survivors (n = 792; 218, and 119, respectively) who participated in an Internet-based survivorship care plan (SCP) tool between May 2010 and October 2014 was used to examine patient-reported demographics, treatment, and toxicity data. Responses from a follow-up survey were reviewed. The median age of diagnosis was 51 years, and 81% of survivors were Caucasian. The most commonly reported LLTEs for all survivors were neuropathy, fatigue, cognitive changes, changes in GI function, urogenital and sexual dysfunction, and dermatologic effects. The prevalence of these effects varied with time since diagnosis, treatment modality, and treatment center. Individuals who had survived anal cancer reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction and radiation-induced dermatologic effects. Over 87% of users reported satisfaction levels of good to excellent using the SCP tool, and 69% reported that they intend to share the SCP with their health care team. For lower GI cancer survivors, it is feasible to obtain PROs from an Internet-based survivorship tool. Survivors report a wide spectrum of LLTEs, and these can be used to inform counseling at the time of diagnosis and to help anticipate and respond to disease-related and treatment-related sequelae during follow-up. The authors are among the first to report on PROs in anal cancer survivors. Further investigation on the impact of SCPs on health care communication and use is needed. Cancer 2017;123:1860-1868. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Recommended Vs. Reported Working Conditions &amp; Current Satisfaction Levels among Migrant Caregivers in Israel

Living and working conditions of 111 migrant live-in homecare workers caring for older care recipients in Israel were assessed using structured face-to-face interviews. Questions pertained to the categories of living conditions, food-related arrangements, and work conditions and benefits; the most important, most satisfactory, and least satisfactory items in these categories; as well as ratings of satisfaction in these areas. Problematic areas included resting days, hours worked per day, and ability to leave during the day. Mean satisfaction ratings were high (between a large to a very large extent) and were similar with respect to living conditions, food-related arrangements, and work conditions and benefits. Reported satisfaction with salary was significantly lower (between a moderate to a large extent). Items associated with reported satisfaction levels revealed the importance of comfort and control. The data indicate that discrepancies remain between recommended and actual working conditions for migrant live-in homecare workers in Israel.

Cell assisted lipotransfer in breast augmentation and reconstruction: A systematic review of safety, efficacy, use of patient reported outcomes and study quality

BackgroundCell assisted lipotransfer serves as a novel technique for both breast reconstruction and breast augmentation. This systematic review assesses the efficacy, safety and use of patient reported outcome measures in studies involving cell assisted lipotransfer. We also carry out an objective assessment of study quality focussing on recruitment, follow-up and provide an up-to-date clinical trial landscaping analysis. MethodsKey electronic databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines and pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers examined the retrieved publications and performed data extraction. Results3980 publications were identified. Following screening, 11 studies were included for full review, representing a total of 336 patients with a follow-up time ranging from six to 42 months. A degree of variation was noted in graft retention and reported satisfaction levels, although there were only three comparative studies with conflicting results. Complications occurred at a rate of 37%. Additionally, there was a paucity of objective outcomes assessments (e.g. 3D assessment modalities or validated patient reported outcome measures) in the selected studies. ConclusionsCell assisted lipotransfer is a surgical technique that is currently employed sparingly within the plastic & reconstructive surgery community. Presently, further technical and outcome standardization is required, in addition to rigorous randomized controlled trials and supporting long-term follow-up data to better determine procedural safety and efficacy. Routine use of more objective outcome measures, particularly 3D assessments and validated patient reported outcome measures, will also help facilitate wider clinical adoption and establish procedural utility.

User Satisfaction of Intermodal Transfer Facilities in Lisbon, Portugal

The satisfaction of intermodal transfer facilities and the characteristics of these infrastructures that could influence passenger satisfaction were evaluated. The Lisbon, Portugal, metropolitan area was used as a case study. For this research, a survey was conducted in eight major transit interchanges. Also, an inventory was made of attributes (e.g., platform identification, litter or graffiti, restrooms, seating, lighting, presence of security guards) available in these transit interchanges. With the use of both data sources, a structural equations model was built to assess the relationships between specific aspects of reported satisfaction levels. This model also included variables that described the socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents and attributes of the intermodal transfer facilities. Results suggest that there is a hierarchical structure among specific aspects of satisfaction and that both transit interchanges attributes and respondent characteristics significantly affect user satisfaction levels. Also, the presence of litter and graffiti, as well as the presence of guidance signs, significantly influences the levels of satisfaction.

The Long‐Term Use of Zygomatic Implants: A 10‐Year Clinical and Radiographic Report

The zygoma implant has been an effective option in the short-term management of the atrophic edentulous maxilla. To report on long-term outcomes in the rehabilitation of the atrophic maxilla using zygomatic (ZI) and regular implants (RI). 22 consecutive zygomatic patients in a maintenance program were included. Cumulative survival rate (CSR) of ZI, RI, prostheses, and complications were recorded during, at least, 10 years of loading. Implant mobility was tested using Periotest(®). Sinus health was radiographically and clinically assessed according to Lund-Mackay (L-M) score and Lanza and Kennedy survey, respectively. A satisfaction questionnaire and anatomical measurements were also performed. Patients received 22 prostheses, anchored on 172 implants. Forty-one were ZI. Three RI failed (10 years CSR = 97.71%). Two ZI were partly removed due to perimplant infection (10 years CSR = 95.12%). All patients maintained functional prostheses. One patient fractured framework twice. Loosening or fracturing screws happened in 11 patients. Seven patients fractured occlusal material. Four ZI abutments in two patients were disconnected because of uncomfortable prostheses. Alveolar height at the ZI head level on the right and left sides was 2.64 mm and 2.25 mm, respectively. Mean distance of ZI head center to ridge center, on the right and left sides was 4.54 mm and 5.67 mm, respectively. Mean Periotest values (PTv) of ZI were -4.375 PTv and -4.941 PTv before prostheses placement and after 10 years, respectively. Six patients experienced sinusitis 14-127 months postoperatively. 54.55% of the L-M scores did not present opacification (L-M = 0) in any sinus. Osteomeatal obstruction happened in eight patients (two bilateral). Two (9.09%) were diagnosed with sinusitis. Eighty-four percent reported satisfaction levels above 80%. 31.81% reported maximum satisfaction score (100%). The long-term rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxillae using ZI is a predictable procedure.

The impact of electronic medical record systems on outpatient workflows: A longitudinal evaluation of its workflow effects

Context The promise of the electronic medical record (EMR) 1 1 The electronic medical record (EMR) is defined as a type of clinical information system, which is dedicated to collecting, storing, manipulating, and making available clinical information important to the delivery of patient care. The central focus of such systems is clinical data and not financial or billing information. Such systems may be limited in their scope to a single area of clinical information (e.g., laboratory data), or they may be comprehensive and cover virtually every facet of clinical information pertinent to patient care (e.g., computer-based patient record systems). An ideal EMR's usually encompasses (i) a longitudinal collection of electronic health information for and about person; (ii) electronic access to person- and population-level information by authorized users. lies in its ability to reduce the costs of health care delivery and improve the overall quality of care – a promise that is realized through major changes in workflows within the health care organization. Yet little systematic information exists about the workflow effects of EMRs. Moreover, some of the research to-date points to reduced satisfaction among physicians after implementation of the EMR and increased time, i.e., negative workflow effects. A better understanding of the impact of the EMR on workflows is, hence, vital to understanding what the technology really does offer that is new and unique. Objective (i) To empirically develop a physician centric conceptual model of the workflow effects of EMRs; (ii) To use the model to understand the antecedents to the physicians’ workflow expectation from the new EMR; (iii) To track physicians’ satisfaction overtime, 3 months and 20 months after implementation of the EMR; (iv) To explore the impact of technology learning curves on physicians’ reported satisfaction levels. Design The current research uses the mixed-method technique of concept mapping to empirically develop the conceptual model of an EMR's workflow effects. The model is then used within a controlled study to track physician expectations from a new EMR system as well as their assessments of the EMR's performance 3 months and 20 months after implementation. Setting The research tracks the actual implementation of a new EMR within the outpatient clinics of a large northeastern research hospital. Participants The pre-implementation survey netted 20 physician responses; post-implementation Time 1 survey netted 22 responses, and Time 2 survey netted 26 physician responses. Intervention The implementation of the actual EMR served as the intervention. Since the study was conducted within the same setting and tracked a homogenous group of respondents, the overall study design ensured against extraneous influences on the results. Main outcome measures Outcome measures were derived empirically from the conceptual model. They included 85 items that measured physician perceptions of the EMR's workflow effect on the following eight issues: (1) administration, (2) efficiency in patient processing, (3) basic clinical processes, (4) documentation of patient encounter, (5) economic challenges and reimbursement, (6) technical issues, (7) patient safety and care, and (8) communication and confidentiality. The items were used to track expectations prior to implementation and they served as retrospective measures of satisfaction with the EMR in post-implementation Time 1 and Time 2. Results The findings suggest that physicians conceptualize EMRs as an incremental extension of older computerized provider order entries (CPOEs) rather than as a new innovation. The EMRs major functional advantages are seen to be very similar to, if not the same as, those of CPOEs. Technology learning curves play a statistically significant though minor role in shaping physician perceptions. Conclusions The physicians’ expectations from the EMR are based on their prior beliefs rather than on a rational evaluation of the EMR's fit, functionality, or performance. Their decision regarding the usefulness of the EMR is made very early, within the first few months of use of the EMR. These early perceptions then remain stable and become the lens through which subsequent experience with the EMR is interpreted. The findings suggest a need for communication based interventions aimed at explaining the value, fit, and usefulness of EMRs to physicians early in the pre- and immediate post-EMR implementation stages.

An Internet Tool for Creation of Cancer Survivorship Care Plans for Survivors and Health Care Providers: Design, Implementation, Use and User Satisfaction

BackgroundSurvivorship care plans have been recommended by the Institute of Medicine for all cancer survivors. We implemented an Internet-based tool for creation of individualized survivorship care plans. To our knowledge, this is the first tool of this type to be designed and made publicly accessible.Objective To investigate patterns of use and satisfaction with an Internet-based tool for creation of survivorship care plans.MethodsOncoLife, an Internet-based program for creation of survivorship care plans, was designed by a team of dedicated oncology nurses and physicians at the University of Pennsylvania. The program was designed to provide individualized, comprehensive health care recommendations to users responding to queries regarding demographics, diagnosis, and cancer treatments. After being piloted to test populations, OncoLife was made publicly accessible via Oncolink, a cancer information website based at the University of Pennsylvania which averages 3.9 million page views and over 385,000 unique visits per month. Data entered by anonymous public users was maintained and analyzed.Results From May 2007 to November 2008, 3343 individuals utilized this tool. Most (63%) identified themselves as survivors, but also health care providers (25%) and friends/family of survivors (12%). Median age at diagnosis was 48 years (18 - 100+), and median current age 51 (19 - 100+). Most users were Caucasian (87%), female (71%), and college-educated (82%). Breast cancer was the most common diagnosis (46%), followed by hematologic (12%), gastrointestinal (11%), gynecologic (9%), and genitourinary (8%). Of all users, 84% had undergone surgery, 80% chemotherapy, and 60% radiotherapy. Half of users (53%) reported receiving follow-up care from only an oncologist, 13% only a primary care provider (PCP), and 32% both; 12% reported having received survivorship information previously. Over 90% of users, both survivors and health care providers, reported satisfaction levels of “good” to “excellent” using this tool.ConclusionsBased on our experience with implementation of what is, to our knowledge, the first Web-based program for creation of survivorship care plans, survivors and health care providers appear both willing to use this type of tool and satisfied with the information provided. Most users have never before received survivorship information. Future iterations will focus on expanding accessibility and improving understanding of the needs of cancer survivors in the era of the Internet.

Examining the Connection Between Housing Counseling Practices and Long-Term Housing and Neighborhood Satisfaction

Housing counseling can increase homeownership opportunities for economically disadvantaged households. Prior research has generally viewed counseling as a means to reduce risk for mortgage lenders and insurers. This approach, which comes from the industry perspective, ignores important qualitative outcomes essential to a “successful” housing experience. This study focused on the end-user perspective by examining pre-purchase housing counseling agency practices that were associated with better long-term residential satisfaction outcomes of housing counseling clients within their respective communities. Clients from 26 housing counseling agencies in Philadelphia reported satisfaction levels with their dwelling unit and neighborhood at least 5 years after their home purchase. This study examined what pre-purchase housing counseling agency practices were associated with better long-term residential satisfaction outcomes of housing counseling clients within their respective communities. Certain practices, especially those signifying heightened accountability to outside reviewers, as well as initial one-to-one counseling sessions, were related to better long-term satisfaction outcomes.